12 Best Aspen, Colorado Restaurants You Need to Try
Aspen’s food scene throws a lot more at you than just post-ski pizza and overpriced après cocktails.
Check out the best restaurants in Aspen for a taste of what this town really has to offer.
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1. Bosq Aspen
Chef Barclay Dodge is always cooking up something new at this Michelin-starred spot. Expect foraged ingredients, creative fermentations, and a close partnership with local farms.
The dining room’s dim lighting and wood accents make it feel warm, almost like you’ve stumbled into a friend’s mountain hideaway.
The tasting menu is flexible, so you can steer your meal in any direction you want. Staff are genuinely friendly—no stuffy vibes, even though it’s definitely a special occasion place.
2. Element 47
Element 47 brings Michelin Guide prestige right into Aspen’s fine dining orbit. It’s tucked inside The Little Nell, steps from the lifts.
The kitchen leans into Colorado Contemporary cuisine—think local wagyu, house pastas, and whatever’s in season.
Executive Chef Keith Theodore’s approach is approachable but still feels special; nothing feels overworked or fussy.
The wine cellar is massive, with a selection that’s a little overwhelming (in a good way). The space itself feels modern but still has those mountain touches—great for a fireside meal or a quick lounge snack.
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3. Sway Thai Aspen
Authentic Thai flavors get a fresh spin at Sway Thai, right on Restaurant Row. This lively spot brings a taste of Austin’s acclaimed Thai scene straight to the Rockies.
The menu is a colorful mix of curries, dumplings, stir-fries, and rice bowls—a welcome change from Aspen’s usual steak and pasta parade.
Plenty of vegan and gluten-free options make it easy for just about anyone to find something tempting.
The space has an easygoing vibe, with design touches that make it feel just right for a laid-back dinner or a night that calls for a little celebration.
4. Matsuhisa Aspen
Japanese sushi in Aspen? Absolutely, and it’s all inside a Victorian home from the mining era.
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature dishes make this spot a legend among Aspen restaurants.
There’s a main dining room and a tucked-away sushi bar for a more intimate vibe. The menu covers sushi, sashimi, and creative Japanese fusion, all expertly done.
Reservations are tough to snag during peak times—everyone wants in. The scene’s a mix of celebrities and skiers chasing top-tier Japanese food after a day on the mountain.
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5. Cache Cache
Cache Cache serves up refined dining with standout plates like shrimp with black rice and salmon tartare.
The kitchen’s all about top-notch ingredients, with a strong focus on local Colorado farms.
Diners rave about the food and service; escargot, lamb chops, and foie gras terrine are consistent crowd-pleasers.
Regularly ranked among Aspen’s best, Cache Cache offers both a sleek indoor space and a pretty outdoor patio for those mountain views.
6. The Wild Fig
The Wild Fig is Aspen’s answer to a European brasserie, with Mediterranean flair from Spain, France, Italy, and Greece.
Classics like French onion soup and their signature fish in parchment are menu staples. The nightly risotto is a local favorite!
Ranked near the top for a reason, this snug spot nails both the food and the cozy, low-key atmosphere. Don’t skip the Wild Fig Frites.
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7. Meat & Cheese
Meat & Cheese ranks high on Aspen’s dining charts—and it’s easy to see why. It’s a farm shop and restaurant in one, specializing in local meats, cheeses, and house-made deli treats.
The menu is all about shared boards and plates, which makes it a solid pick for groups. In summer, the patio is the place to be; in winter, things get extra cozy inside.
Their cured meats and cheese boards are perfect for a casual lunch or a chill dinner after a day outdoors.
8. Pine Creek Cookhouse
Pine Creek Cookhouse is tucked at the base of the Elk Mountains, serving up alpine-inspired dishes with wild game and fresh fish. The kitchen does everything from scratch, pulling from local, organic sources.
Creative plates like bison ravioli and trout dip put a spotlight on mountain flavors. The interiors channel a mountain chalet, and the hospitality is as genuine as it gets.
It’s a bit of a drive up Castle Creek Road, but the views alone make it worth the trip.
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9. White House Tavern
Premium sandwiches and shareable plates put White House Tavern at the top of Aspen’s favorites. The wood-paneled interior and open kitchen make it feel both welcoming and a bit special.
The drink list is solid, with wines, beers, and cocktails that pair well with the food. The trout dip is a crowd magnet, but it pays to show up early—lines get long fast.
Set on Hopkins and Monarch, the historic building gives it that classic Aspen vibe, and locals keep coming back for a reason.
10. Steak House No. 316
Steak House No. 316 is all moody lighting and red velvet booths—exactly what you want in a steakhouse. Steaks are cooked just right, with fresh seafood in the mix for good measure.
The tomahawk ribeye for two is a showstopper, but the lobster tails and crab oscar toppings are worth a splurge. Don’t sleep on the potato pavés with béarnaise.
Owned by Craig and Samantha Cordts-Pearce, the menu’s got plenty for everyone, even those who aren’t big on steak.
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11. French Alpine Bistro
French Alpine Bistro is like stepping into a European ski chalet—velvet curtains, sheepskin throws, and candlelight everywhere. It’s cozy, intimate, and just a little bit magical.
Alpine classics are the move after a cold day outside. The cheese fondue is bubbling and rich, and the crepes are something special.
French onion soup and escargots round out the menu. The Austrian owner’s touch gives the place a truly gemütlich feel.
12. PARC Aspen
PARC Aspen serves up contemporary American food with a little Euro-French flair, always highlighting what’s in season.
Menus change with the mountain seasons, keeping things fresh and interesting. The restaurant doubles as a wine bar, so it’s a solid choice for dinner or just a glass and a snack.
